Record league champions Gor Mahia extended their dominant run against arch-rivals AFC Leopards after the two sides battled to a goalless draw at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, March 30.Leopards entered the highly anticipated clash in fine form, unbeaten in their last eight league matches. However, they had drawn their previous three encounters, highlighting their struggle to convert performances into victories.Gor, on the other hand, were determined to extend their remarkable derby dominance, having won 14 times, lost once and drawn four matches against Ingwe since March 2016.##NAJAVA_MECA_8814237##Just like the previous weekend when Harambee Stars hosted Gabon at the same venue, Nyayo Stadium was packed to capacity.Fans heeded the call from their players and coaches to turn up in large numbers. Among the notable attendees was former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who came to rally behind his beloved K’Ogalo.What an attendance today! No more sitting space #MashemejiDerby pic.twitter.com/LDHcdr15u8— Eric Njiru ⚽️ (@EricNjiiru) March 30, 2025 The long-awaited Mashemeji Derby finally kicked off after two previous postponements, and the action on the pitch did not disappoint.FKFPL: Shabana FC crush Murang’a Seal as Homeboyz hold KCBIngwe, started the brighter of the two sides, dictating the tempo early on, but despite their attacking intent, they could not find the back of the net.In the 28th minute, Sharriff Musa unleashed a powerful shot that forced Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo into a fine save, with K’Ogalo scrambling to capitalize on the rebound before Ingwe’s defense cleared the danger.Five minutes later, Boniface Munyendo found himself with a golden opportunity to put Ingwe ahead after receiving a well-weighted cutback from Samuel Semo.However, the midfielder lost his composure and sent his effort over the bar, much to the frustration of the Leopards’ faithful.As the half progressed, tempers flared. In the 41st minute, Musa Oundo brought down Sharriff Musa in the center circle, earning himself a yellow card for the reckless challenge.”I will always be a fan”- Norway -bound defender to K’Ogalo faithfulThe derby atmosphere reached boiling point in the 44th minute when a heated clash broke out between both sets of players following a foul. Munyendo was booked as the referee worked to restore order.Despite Leopards looking the more threatening side in the first half, Gor Mahia’s defensive resilience ensured the teams went into the break level.Immediately after the restart, Leopards made a change, introducing Victor Otieno for Ovella Ochieng to inject fresh energy into their attack.Gor Mahia had a glorious opportunity to take the lead when Musa found himself unmarked at the far post after a brilliant cross from Paul Ochuoga. However, he failed to keep his composure, squandering a chance that could have given the Green Army the edge.##NAJAVA_MECA_8814229##In the 69th minute, Sharriff Musa had to be escorted off the pitch by medical staff after picking up an injury. His departure saw Austin Odhiambo make a long-awaited return from injury as he stepped in to reinforce Gor Mahia’s midfield.AFC Leopards came agonizingly close in the 76th minute when Ronald Bebeto Sichinje nearly broke the deadlock. His header, after a well-delivered cross from Otieno, narrowly missed the target.Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews, visibly frustrated with his captain Geoffrey Ochieng, exchanged words with the defender, appearing to blame him for allowing Ingwe too much space to attack.Both teams pushed for a late winner, but their finishing let them down as chance after chance went begging.Breakdown of AFC Leopards’ Ksh143 million income in 2024As the referee blew the final whistle, the fierce rivals were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.AFC Leopards could take pride in their performance, having looked the more dangerous side, but their inability to convert chances cost them a historic victory.Meanwhile, Gor Mahia extended their unbeaten run in the fixture, maintaining their psychological edge over Ingwe.
